Sign up to receive free email alerts when patent applications with chosen keywords are publishedSIGN UP

Abstract:

Shampoo compositions comprise (a) from about 5% to about 50% of one or
more detersive surfactants; (b) a dispersed gel network phase comprising:
(i) at least about 0.05% of one or more fatty amphiphiles; (ii) at least
about 0.01% of one or more secondary surfactants; and (iii) water; (c) at
least about 0.05% of a galactomannan polymer derivative with a net
positive charge and having a mannose to galactose ratio of greater than
2:1 on a monomer to monomer basis, wherein the galactomannan polymer
derivative has: (i) a molecular weight from about 1,000 to about
10,000,000; and (ii) a cationic charge density from about 0.7 meq/g to
about 7 meq/g; and (d) at least about 20% of an aqueous carrier; all by
weight of the shampoo composition.

Claims:

1. A shampoo composition comprising: a. a detersive surfactant system
comprising: i. from about 9% to about 17% of one or more sodium lauryl
sulfate surfactants wherein said one or more sodium lauryl sulfate
surfactants comprises about 3.9% of sodium laureth-N sulfate having
N>1, by weight of said shampoo composition; ii. about 2% of a
co-surfactant, by weight of said shampoo composition; b. a dispersed gel
network phase comprising: i. at least 0.05% of one or more fatty
alcohols, by weight of said shampoo composition; ii. at least 0.01% of
one or more secondary surfactants by weight of said shampoo composition
selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, cationic
surfactants, non-ionic surfactants and mixtures thereof; and iii. water;
c. at least about 0.05%, by weight of the shampoo composition, of a
cationic deposition aid, wherein the cationic deposition aid has: i) a
molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 10,000,000; and ii) a
cationic charge density from about 0.9 meq/g to about 7 meq/g; d. from
about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition of a silicone
conditioning agent; and e. at least about 20% of an aqueous carrier, by
weight of said shampoo composition; wherein said shampoo composition has
a peak melt transition temperature of at least about 27.degree. C.

2. A shampoo composition according to claim 1, wherein said dispersed gel
network phase is present in an amount from about 1% to about 60%, by
weight of said shampoo composition.

3. A shampoo composition according to claim 1, wherein said dispersed gel
network phase has a scale size as measured in said shampoo composition
from about 10 nm to about 500 nm.

4. A shampoo composition according to claim 1, wherein said dispersed gel
network phase has a scale size as measured in said shampoo composition
from about 0.5 μm to about 10 μm.

5. A shampoo composition according to claim 1, wherein said dispersed gel
network phase has a scale size as measured in said shampoo composition
from about 10 μm to about 150 μm.

11. A shampoo composition according to claim 10, wherein said deposition
aid is an additional cationic polymer selected from the group consisting
of cellulose derivatives, starch derivatives, and guar derivatives, and
having a molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 10,000,000 and a
charge density from about 0.9 meq/g to about 7.0 meq/g.

12. A shampoo composition according to claim 10, wherein said suspending
agent is a crystalline suspending agent.

13. A shampoo composition according to claim 10, wherein said additional
conditioning agent is a silicone conditioning agent having a particle
size as measured in said shampoo composition from about 1 μm to about
50 μm.

14. A shampoo composition according to claim 10, wherein said additional
conditioning agent is a silicone conditioning agent having a particle
size as measured in said shampoo composition from about 100 nm to about 1
μm.

15. A shampoo composition according to claim 10, wherein said additional
conditioning agent is a silicone conditioning agent having a particle
size as measured in said shampoo composition of less than about 100 nm.

16. A method of treating hair or skin, said method comprising the step of
applying to the hair or skin a shampoo composition according to claim 1.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
11/475,485 filed Jun. 27, 2006 which is a continuation-in-part of prior
co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/228,770, filed on Sep. 16, 2005;
which is a continuation-in-part of prior co-pending U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/454,433, filed on Jun. 4, 2003; which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/385,641, filed on Jun. 4, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a hair cleansing and conditioning
shampoo containing the combination of a non-guar galactomannan polymer
derivative and a gel network comprising a fatty amphiphile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Human hair becomes soiled due to its contact with the surrounding
environment and from the sebum secreted by the scalp. The soiling of hair
causes it to have a dirty feel and an unattractive appearance. The
soiling of the hair necessitates shampooing with frequent regularity.

[0004] Shampooing cleans the hair by removing excess soil and sebum.
However, shampooing can leave the hair in a wet, tangled, and generally
unmanageable state. Once the hair dries, it is often left in a dry,
rough, lusterless, or frizzy condition due to removal of the hair's
natural oils and other natural conditioning and moisturizing components.
The hair can further be left with increased levels of static upon drying,
which can interfere with combing and result in a condition commonly
referred to as "fly-away hair."

[0005] A variety of approaches have been developed to alleviate these
after-shampoo problems. These approaches range from post-shampoo
application of hair conditioners such as leave-on and rinse-off products,
to hair conditioning shampoos which attempt to both cleanse and condition
the hair from a single product.

[0006] Coacervate formation in a shampoo composition is known to be
advantageous for providing conditioning benefits to the hair. The use of
cationic polymers to form coacervate is known in the art, such as in PCT
publications WO 93/08787 and WO 95/01152. Commonly used cationic
deposition polymers include natural polymers, such as guar gum polymers
that have been modified with cationic substituents. Guar gum polymers are
galactomannans containing two mannose monomers with a glycoside linkage
and one galactose monomer attached to a hydroxyl group of the mannose
monomers (i.e., guar gum polymers have a mannose to galactose ratio of
2:1). The selection of a cationic guar deposition polymer with sufficient
charge density and molecular weight results in sufficient deposition of
conditioning agents.

[0007] However, to achieve this sufficient deposition of conditioning
agents in shampoo or body wash compositions using a cationic guar
polymer, a relatively high level of such cationic guar polymer generally
must be deposited on the hair or skin. Moreover, the cost of such
cationic guar polymer is relatively high. As a result, incorporation of
cationic guar polymer can add to the manufacturing costs of such shampoo
compositions. Additionally, these shampoo compositions typically are good
for delivering wet hair conditioning, but are not capable of delivering
satisfactory dry hair smooth feel.

[0008] Based on the foregoing, there is a need for a conditioning shampoo
which can provide improved conditioning benefit for dry hair, while not
interfering with the cleansing efficacy, nor providing negative feel to
the hair when it is dried. Specifically, there is a need to provide long
lasting moisturized feel, smooth feel, and manageability control to the
hair when the hair is dried, yet not leave the hair feeling greasy, as
well as to provide softness and ease of combing when the hair is wet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to a shampoo composition
comprising: (a) from about 5% to about 50% of one or more detersive
surfactants, by weight of the shampoo composition; (b) a dispersed gel
network phase comprising: (i) at least about 0.05% of one or more fatty
amphiphiles, by weight of the shampoo composition; (ii) at least about
0.01% of one or more secondary surfactants, by weight of the shampoo
composition; and (iii) water; (c) at least about 0.05%, by weight of the
shampoo composition, of a galactomannan polymer derivative with a net
positive charge and having a mannose to galactose ratio of greater than
2:1 on a monomer to monomer basis, wherein the galactomannan polymer
derivative has: (i) a molecular weight from about 1,000 to about
10,000,000; and (ii) a cationic charge density from about 0.7 meq/g to
about 7 meq/g; and (d) at least about 20% of an aqueous carrier, by
weight of the shampoo composition.

[0010] The present invention is further directed to a method of using the
shampoo composition described above.

[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become evident to those skilled in the art from a reading
of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] While the specification concludes with claims which particularly
point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present
invention will be better understood from the following description.

[0013] All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight
of the compositions of the present invention, unless otherwise specified.
All such weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on the
active level and, therefore, do not include solvents or by-products that
may be included in commercially available materials, unless otherwise
specified. The term "weight percent" may be denoted as "wt.%" herein.

[0014] All molecular weights as used herein are weight average molecular
weights expressed as grams/mole, unless otherwise specified.

[0015] The term "charge density", as used herein, refers to the ratio of
the number of positive charges on a polymer to the molecular weight of
said polymer.

[0016] Herein, "comprising" means that other steps and other ingredients
which do not affect the end result can be added. This term encompasses
the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of". The
compositions and methods/processes of the present invention can comprise,
consist of, and consist essentially of the essential elements and
limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any of the
additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations
described herein.

[0017] The term "polymer" as used herein shall include materials whether
made by polymerization of one type of monomer or made by two (i.e.,
copolymers) or more types of monomers.

[0018] The term "shampoo" as used herein means a composition for cleansing
and conditioning hair or skin, including scalp, face, and body.

[0019] The term "suitable for application to human hair" as used herein
means that the compositions or components thereof so described are
suitable for use in contact with human hair and the scalp and skin
without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic response,
and the like.

[0020] The term "water soluble" as used herein means that the material is
soluble in water in the present composition. In general, the material
should be soluble at 25° C. at a concentration of 0.1% by weight
of the water solvent, preferably at 1%, more preferably at 5%, more
preferably at 15%.

[0021] The shampoo compositions of the present invention comprise one or
more detersive surfactants, a dispersed gel network phase, a non-guar
galactomannan polymer derivative, and an aqueous carrier. Each of these
essential components, as well as preferred or optional components, is
described in detail hereinafter.

A. Detersive Surfactant The shampoo compositions of the present invention
comprise one or more detersive surfactants. The detersive surfactant
component is included in shampoo compositions of the present invention to
provide cleansing performance. The detersive surfactant may be selected
from anionic detersive surfactant, zwitterionic or amphoteric detersive
surfactant, or a combination thereof. Such surfactants should be
physically and chemically compatible with the essential components
described herein, or should not otherwise unduly impair product
stability, aesthetics or performance.

[0022] Suitable anionic detersive surfactant components for use in the
composition herein include those which are known for use in hair care or
other personal care cleansing compositions. The concentration of the
anionic surfactant component in the composition should be sufficient to
provide the desired cleaning and lather performance, and generally range
from about 5% to about 50%, preferably from about 8% to about 30%, more
preferably from about 10% to about 25%, even more preferably from about
12% to about 22%, by weight of the composition.

[0023] Suitable zwitterionic or amphoteric detersive surfactants for use
in the composition herein include those which a re known for use in hair
care or other personal cleansing compositions. Concentration of such
amphoteric detersive surfactants preferably ranges from about 0.5% to
about 20%, preferably from about 1% to about 10%. Non-limiting examples
of suitable zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants are described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,104,646 and 5,106,609, both to Bolich Jr. et al.

[0024] The compositions of the present invention may further comprise
additional surfactants for use in combination with the anionic detersive
surfactant component described hereinbefore. Suitable additional
surfactants include cationic and nonionic surfactants.

[0025] Non-limiting examples of other anionic, zwitterionic, amphoteric,
cationic, nonionic, or optional additional surfactants suitable for use
in the compositions are described in McCutcheon's, Emulsifiers and
Detergents, 1989 Annual, published by M. C. Publishing Co., and U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,929,678; 2,658,072; 2,438,091; and 2,528,378.

B. Dispersed Gel Network Phase

[0026] The shampoo compositions of the present invention comprise a
dispersed gel network phase comprising a fatty amphiphile. The gel
network phase is included in shampoo compositions of the present
invention to provide conditioning benefits. As used herein, the term "gel
network" refers to a lamellar or vesicular solid crystalline phase which
comprises at least one fatty amphiphile as specified below, at least one
secondary surfactant as specified below, and water or other suitable
solvents. The lamellar or vesicular phase comprises bi-layers made up of
a first layer comprising the fatty amphiphile and the secondary
surfactant and alternating with a second layer comprising the water or
other suitable solvent. The term "solid crystalline", as used herein,
refers to the structure of the lamellar or vesicular phase which forms at
a temperature below the melt transition temperature (i.e., the chain melt
temperature) of the layer in the gel network comprising the one or more
fatty amphiphiles, the melt transition temperature being at least about
27° C. The melt transition temperature may be measured by
differential scanning calorimetry, a method of which is described in the
Examples below.

[0027] Gel networks which comprise, for example, fatty alcohols have been
used for years in cosmetic creams and hair conditioners. Such cosmetic
creams and hair conditioners, however, typically contain very low
amounts, if any, of detersive surfactant. Thus, such known products do
not provide a combination of cleansing and conditioning to the hair or
skin

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispersed gel
network phase is pre-formed. The term "pre-formed", as used herein, means
that at least fifty percent of the mixture of the fatty amphiphile,
secondary surfactant, and water or other suitable solvent is
substantially a solid crystalline phase when added to the other
components of the shampoo composition.

[0030] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the gel
network component of the present invention is prepared as a separate
pre-mix, which, after being cooled, is subsequently incorporated with the
detersive surfactant and the other components of the shampoo composition.
Preparation of the gel network component is discussed in more detail
below in the section entitled Process of Making a Shampoo Composition, as
well as in the Examples.

[0031] The cooled and pre-formed gel network component subsequently is
added to the other components of the shampoo composition, including the
detersive surfactant component. While not intending to be limited by
theory, it is believed that incorporation of the cooled and pre-formed
gel network component with the detersive surfactant and other components
of the shampoo composition allows the formation of a substantially
equilibrated lamellar dispersion ("ELD") in the final shampoo
composition. The ELD is a dispersed lamellar or vesicular phase resulting
from the pre-formed gel network component substantially equilibrating
with the detersive surfactants, water, and other optional components,
such as salts, which may be present in the shampoo composition. This
equilibration occurs upon incorporation of the pre-formed gel network
component with the other components of the shampoo composition and is
effectively complete within about 24 hours after making Shampoo
compositions in which the ELD is formed provide hair with improved wet
and dry conditioning benefits. Further, the ELD does not form if the
components which comprise the gel network component (i.e., the fatty
amphiphile and the secondary surfactant combined with water) are added as
individual components together with the other components of the shampoo
composition in one mixing step, and not as a separate cooled pre-formed
gel network component.

[0032] As described above, the ELD is formed by the incorporation of the
cooled and pre-formed gel network component with the detersive surfactant
and other components of the shampoo composition. While the ELD and the
pre-formed gel network component both comprise fatty amphiphile,
secondary surfactant, and water together in the form of a lamellar or
vesicular solid crystalline phase, differences exist between certain
physical properties of the ELD compared with those of the pre-formed gel
network component. Prior to incorporation with the detersive surfactant
and other components of the shampoo composition, the pre-formed gel
network component consists essentially of fatty amphiphile, secondary
surfactant, and water. Upon incorporation, the lamellar structure of the
gel network, acting as a template, is swelled by and equilibrates with
the detersive surfactant and other components of the shampoo composition,
such as salts and perfumes. Thus, it is believed that these differences
in certain physical properties between the pre-formed gel network
component and the ELD are consistent with the migration of, for example,
the detersive surfactant, salts, and perfumes, into the gel network
phase.

[0033] The presence of the gel network in the pre-mix and in the final
shampoo composition in the form of the ELD can be confirmed by means
known to one of skill in the art, such as X-ray analysis, optical
microscopy, electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry.
Methods of X-ray analysis and differential scanning calorimetry are
described in U.S. 2006/0024256 A1.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the scale size of the
dispersed gel network phase in the shampoo composition (i.e., the ELD)
ranges from about 10 nm to about 500 nm. In another embodiment, the scale
size of the dispersed gel network phase in the shampoo composition ranges
from about 0.5 um to about 10 um. In yet another embodiment, the scale
size of the dispersed gel network phase in the shampoo composition ranges
from about 10 μm to about 150 μm.

[0035] The scale size distribution of the dispersed gel network phase in
the shampoo composition may be measured with a laser light scattering
technique, using a Horiba model LA 910 Laser Scattering Particle Size
Distribution Analyzer (Horiba Instruments, Inc. Irvine Calif., USA). The
scale size distribution in a shampoo composition of the present invention
may be measured by combining 1.75 g of the shampoo composition with 30 mL
of 3% NH4Cl, 20 mL of 2% Na2HPO4.7H2O, and 10 mL of
1% laureth-7 to form a mixture. This mixture is then stirred for 5
minutes. As appropriate for the individual Horiba instrument being used,
samples in the range of 1 to 40 mL are taken and then injected into the
Horiba instrument, which contains 75 mL of 3% NH4Cl, 50 mL of 2%
Na2HPO4.7H2O, and 25 mL of 1% laureth-7, until the Horiba
instrument reading is between 88-92% T, which is needed for the scale
size measurement. Once this is achieved, a measurement is taken after 2
minutes of circulation through the Horiba instrument to provide the scale
size measurement. A subsequent measurement is taken using a sample of the
shampoo composition which has been heated above the melt transition
temperature of all fatty materials present in the shampoo composition,
such that the gel network component is melted. This subsequent
measurement allows a scale size distribution to be taken of all of the
remaining materials in the shampoo, which then can be compared to the
scale size distribution of the first sample and assist in the analysis.

[0036] The shampoo composition of the present invention comprise a gel
network in an amount greater than about 0.1%, preferably from about 1% to
about 60%, and more preferably from about 5% to about 40%, by weight of
the shampoo composition.

[0037] 1. Fatty Amphiphile

[0038] The gel network component of the present invention comprises at
least one fatty amphiphile. As used herein, "fatty amphiphile" refers to
a compound having a hydrophobic tail group and a hydrophilic head group
which does not make the compound water soluble, wherein the compound also
has a net neutral charge at the pH of the shampoo composition.

[0039] The fatty amphiphile of the present invention may be characterized
as a compound having a Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance ("HLB") of 6 or
less. The HLB, as used herein, is the standard HLB according to Griffin,
J. Soc. Cosm. Chem., vol. 5, 249 (1954).

[0040] According to the present invention, suitable fatty amphiphiles, or
suitable mixtures of two or more fatty amphiphiles, have a melting point
of at least about 27° C. The melting point, as used herein, may be
measured by a standard melting point method as described in U.S.
Pharmacopeia, USP-NF General Chapter <741> "Melting range or
temperature". The melting point of a mixture of two or more materials is
determined by mixing the two or more materials at a temperature above the
respective melt points and then allowing the mixture to cool. If the
resulting composite is a homogeneous solid below about 27° C.,
then the mixture has a suitable melting point for use in the present
invention. A mixture of two or more fatty amphiphiles, wherein the
mixture comprises at least one fatty amphiphile having an individual
melting point of less than about 27° C., still is suitable for use
in the present invention provided that the composite melting point of the
mixture is at least about 27° C.

[0041] According to the present invention, suitable fatty amphiphiles have
a hydrophobic tail group. This hydrophobic tail group may be an alkyl,
alkenyl (containing up to 3 double bonds), alkyl aromatic, or branched
alkyl group with a length of from about 12 to about 70 carbon atoms, and
in one embodiment from about 16 to about 60 carbon atoms, and in another
embodiment from about 16 to about 50 carbon atoms, and in yet another
embodiment from about 16 to about 40 carbon atoms, and in even yet
another embodiment from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms, and in another
embodiment from about 18 to 22 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of
alkyl, alkenyl, or branched alkyl groups suitable for the fatty
amphiphiles of the present invention include lauryl, tridecyl, myristyl,
pentadecyl, cetyl, heptadecyl, stearyl, arachidyl, behenyl, undecylenyl,
palmitoleyl, oleyl, palmoleyl, linoleyl, linolenyl, arahchidonyl,
elaidyl, elaeostearyl, erucyl, isolauryl, isotridecyl, isomyristal,
isopentadecyl, petroselinyl, isocetyl, isoheptadecyl, isostearyl,
isoarachidyl, isobehnyl, gadoleyl, brassidyl, and technical-grade mixture
thereof.

[0043] To form the gel network component of the present invention,
individual fatty amphiphile compounds or combinations of two or more
different fatty amphiphile compounds may be selected.

[0044] The shampoo compositions of the present invention comprise fatty
amphiphile as part of the pre-formed dispersed gel network phase in an
amount from about 0.05% to about 14%, preferably from about 0.5% to about
10%, and more preferably from about 1% to about 8%, by weight of the
shampoo composition.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the weight ratio of the
fatty amphiphile to the secondary surfactant in the gel network component
is greater than about 1:9, preferably greater than about 1:5 to about
100:1, more preferably greater than about 1:1 to about 50:1, and even
more preferably greater than about 2:1 to about 10:1.

[0046] 2. Secondary Surfactant

[0047] The gel network component of the present invention also comprises a
secondary surfactant. As used herein, "secondary surfactant" refers to
one or more surfactants which are combined with the fatty amphiphile and
water to form the gel network of the present invention as a pre-mix
separate from the other components of the shampoo composition. The
secondary surfactant is separate from and in addition to the detersive
surfactant component of the shampoo composition. However, the secondary
surfactant may be the same or different type of surfactant or surfactants
as that or those selected for the detersive surfactant component
described above.

[0048] The shampoo compositions of the present invention comprise
secondary surfactant as part of the pre-formed dispersed gel network
phase in an amount from about 0.01% to about 15%, preferably from about
0.1% to about 10%, and more preferably from about 0.3% to about 5%, by
weight of the shampoo composition.

[0049] Suitable secondary surfactants include anionic, zwitterionic,
amphoteric, cationic, and nonionic surfactants. Preferably, the secondary
surfactant is selected from anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants,
and mixtures thereof. For additional discussion of secondary surfactants
which are suitable for use in the present invention, see U.S.
2006/0024256 A1.

[0050] Additionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, certain
secondary surfactants which have a hydrophobic tail group with a chain
length of from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms may be selected to
contribute to obtaining a melt transition temperature of at least about
38° C. for the resulting dispersed gel network phase. For such
secondary surfactants, the hydrophobic tail group may be alkyl, alkenyl
(containing up to 3 double bonds), alkyl aromatic, or branched alkyl. In
such an embodiment, it is preferred that the secondary surfactant is
present in the gel network component relative to the fatty amphiphile at
a weight ratio from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0051] Mixtures of more than one surfactant of the above specified types
may be used for the secondary surfactant of the present invention.

[0052] 3. Water or Suitable Solvents

[0053] The gel network component of the present invention also comprises
water or suitable solvents. The water or suitable solvent and the
secondary surfactant together contribute to the swelling of the fatty
amphiphile. This, in turn, leads to the formation and the stability of
the gel network. As used herein, the term "suitable solvent" refers to
any solvent which can be used in the place of or in combination with
water in the formation of the gel network of the present invention.

[0054] The shampoo compositions of the present invention comprise water or
suitable solvents as part of the pre-formed dispersed gel network phase
in an amount suitable to achieve a gel network when combined with fatty
amphiphile and secondary surfactant according to the present invention.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the shampoo compositions of the present
invention comprise as part of the pre-formed dispersed gel network phase
at least about 0.05% of water or a suitable solvent, by weight of the
shampoo composition.

[0056] In another embodiment of the present invention, the shampoo
compositions comprise water or a suitable solvent as part of the
pre-formed dispersed gel network phase is an amount relative to the
amount of fatty amphiphile at a weight ratio of at least about 1:1.

C. Galactomannan Polymer Derivative

[0057] The shampoo compositions of the present invention comprise
galactomannan polymer derivatives with a net positive charge and having a
mannose to galactose ratio of greater than 2:1 on a monomer to monomer
basis. Included within galactomannan polymer derivatives with a net
positive charge are "cationic galactomannan", which refers to a
galactomannan polymer to which a cationic group is added, and "amphoteric
galactomannan", which refers to a galactomannan polymer to which a
cationic group and an anionic group are added but such that the polymer
has a net positive charge. These galactomannan polymer derivatives are
included in the shampoo compositions of the present invention to enhance
effective deposition of the dispersed gel network phase on hair and/or
skin.

[0058] Galactomannan polymers are present in the endosperm of seeds of the
Leguminosae family. Galactomannan polymers are made up of a combination
of mannose monomers and galactose monomers. The galactomannan molecule is
a straight chain mannan branched at regular intervals with single
membered galactose units on specific mannose units. The mannose units are
linked to each other by means of β (1-4) glycosidic linkages. The
galactose branching arises by way of an α (1-6) linkage. The ratio
of mannose monomers to galactose monomers varies according to the species
of the plant and also is affected by climate. Guar is an example of one
type of a galactomannan polymer, specifically having a mannose to
galactose ratio of 2 monomers of mannose to 1 monomer of galactose.

[0059] Galactomannan polymers of the present invention have a ratio of
mannose to galactose of greater than 2:1 on a monomer to monomer basis
(i.e., non-guar galactomannan polymers). Preferably, the ratio of mannose
to galactose is greater than about 3:1, and more preferably the ratio of
mannose to galactose is greater than about 4:1. Analysis of mannose to
galactose ratios is well known in the art and is typically based on the
measurement of the galactose content.

[0060] The gum for use in preparing the non-guar galactomannan polymer
derivatives is typically obtained as naturally occurring material such as
seeds or beans from plants. Examples of various non-guar galactomannan
polymers include but are not limited to tara gum (3 parts mannose/1 part
galactose), locust bean or carob (4 parts mannose/1 part galactose), and
cassia gum (5 parts mannose/1 part galactose).

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, a preferred gum for use
in preparing the non-guar galactomannan polymer derivatives is cassia
gum. Cassia gum derivatives can provide at least comparable deposition of
conditioning agents on hair as guar gum derivatives, yet cassia gum
derivatives generally can be obtained commercially at a relatively lower
cost than guar gum derivatives.

[0062] The galactomannan polymer derivatives for use in the personal care
compositions of the present invention have a molecular weight from about
1,000 to about 10,000,000. In one embodiment of the present invention,
the galactomannan polymer derivatives have a molecular weight from about
5,000 to about 3,000,000. As used herein, the term "molecular weight"
refers to the weight average molecular weight. The weight average
molecular weight may be measured by gel permeation chromatography.

[0063] The shampoo compositions of the present invention include
galactomannan polymer derivatives which have a cationic charge density
from about 0.7 meq/g to about 7 meq/g. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the galactomannan polymer derivatives have a charge density
from about 0.9 meq/g to about 7 meq/g. In another embodiment of the
present invention, the galactomannan polymer derivatives have a charge
density from about 0.7 meq/g to about 1.0 meq/g. In yet another
embodiment, the galactomannan polymer derivatives have a charge density
from about 1.1 meq/g to about 3.5 meq/g. The degree of substitution of
the cationic groups onto the galactomannan structure should be sufficient
to provide the requisite cationic charge density.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the galactomannan
polymer derivative is a cationic derivative of the non-guar galactomannan
polymer, which is obtained by reaction between the hydroxyl groups of the
galactomannan polymer and reactive quaternary ammonium compounds.
Suitable quaternary ammonium compounds for use in forming the cationic
galactomannan polymer derivatives include those conforming to the general
formula:

##STR00001##

wherein where R1, R2 and R3 are methyl or ethyl groups;
R4 is either an epoxyalkyl group of the general formula:

##STR00002##

or R4 is a halohydrin group of the general formula:

##STR00003##

wherein R5 is a C1 to C3 alkylene; X is chlorine or
bromine, and Z is an anion such as Cl.sup.-, Br.sup.-, I.sup.- or
HSO4.sup.-.

[0065] Cationic non-guar galactomannan polymer derivatives formed from the
reagents described above are represented by the general formula:

##STR00004##

wherein R is the gum. Preferably, the cationic galactomannan derivative
is a gum hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride, which can be more
specifically represented by the general formula:

##STR00005##

[0066] The shampoo compositions of the present invention comprise
galactomannan polymer derivatives at a range of about 0.01% to about 10%,
and more preferably from about 0.05% to about 5%, by weight of the
composition.

D. Aqueous Carrier

[0067] The shampoo compositions of the present invention comprise an
aqueous carrier. Typically, the compositions of the present invention are
in the form of pourable liquids (under ambient conditions). The
compositions, therefore, comprise an aqueous carrier at a level of from
about 20% to about 95%, preferably from about 60% to about 85%, by weight
of the compositions. The aqueous carrier may comprise water, or a
miscible mixture of water and organic solvent, but preferably comprises
water with minimal or no significant concentrations of organic solvent,
except as otherwise incidentally incorporated into the composition as
minor ingredients of other essential or optional components.

E. Additional Components

[0068] The compositions of the present invention may further comprise one
or more optional components known for use in hair care or personal care
products, provided that the optional components are physically and
chemically compatible with the essential components described herein, or
do not otherwise unduly impair product stability, aesthetics or
performance. Individual concentrations of such optional components may
range from about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the compositions.

[0071] The shampoo compositions of the present invention may include a
deposition aid in addition to the non-guar galactomannan polymer
derivative of the present invention.

[0072] The additional deposition aid is included to further enhance
deposition of the gel network component. The deposition aid can comprise
any material that enhances the deposition of the gel network from the
shampoo onto the hair and/or scalp.

[0073] The concentration of the deposition aid in the shampoo composition
should be sufficient to effectively enhance the deposition of the gel
network component and ranges from about 0.05% to about 5%, preferably
from about 0.075% to about 2.5%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about
1.0%, by weight of the shampoo composition.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, the deposition aid is
an additional cationic polymer, other than the non-guar galactomannan
polymer of the present invention. Preferred cationic polymers will have
cationic charge densities of at least about 0.7 meq/g, preferably at
least about 1.2 meq/g, more preferably at least about 1.5 meq/g, but also
preferably less than about 7 meq/g, more preferably less than about 5
meq/g, at the pH of intended use of the composition. The pH will
generally range from about pH 3 to about pH 9, preferably between about
pH 4 and about pH 8. The average molecular weight of such suitable
cationic polymers will generally be between about 10,000 and 10 million,
preferably between about 50,000 and about 5 million, more preferably
between about 100,000 and about 3 million.

[0075] Suitable cationic polymers for use in the composition include
polysaccharide polymers, such as cationic cellulose derivatives and
cationic starch derivatives, such as salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose
reacted with trimethyl ammonium substituted epoxide. Other suitable
cationic polymers include cationic guar gum derivatives, such as guar
hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride.

[0076] 2. Dispersed Particles

[0077] The composition of the present invention may include dispersed
particles. Particles useful in the present invention can be inorganic,
synthetic, or semi-synthetic in origin. If present in the compositions of
the present invention, dispersed particles are incorporated in an amount
from about 0.025% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 10%,
more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, even more preferably from
about 0.25% to about 3%, and yet more preferably from about 0.5% to about
2%, by weight of the composition.

[0078] 3. Nonionic Polymers

[0079] Polyalkylene glycols having a molecular weight of more than about
1000 are useful herein. Useful are those having the following general
formula:

##STR00006##

wherein R95 is selected from the group consisting of H, methyl, and
mixtures thereof. Polyethylene glycol polymers useful herein are PEG-2M
(also known as Polyox WSR® N-10, which is available from Union
Carbide and as PEG-2,000); PEG-5M (also known as Polyox WSR® N-35 and
Polyox WSR® N-80, available from Union Carbide and as PEG-5,000 and
Polyethylene Glycol 300,000); PEG-7M (also known as Polyox WSR® N-750
available from Union Carbide); PEG-9M (also known as Polyox WSR®
N-3333 available from Union Carbide); and PEG-14 M (also known as Polyox
WSR® N-3000 available from Union Carbide).

[0080] 4. Conditioning Agents

[0081] The compositions of the present invention may also comprise one or
more conditioning agents which are in addition to the dispersed gel
network phase. Conditioning agents include materials which are used to
give a particular conditioning benefit to hair and/or skin. The
conditioning agents useful in the compositions of the present invention
typically comprise a water-insoluble, water-dispersible, non-volatile,
liquid that forms emulsified, liquid particles. Suitable conditioning
agents for use in the composition are those conditioning agents
characterized generally as silicones (e.g., silicone oils, cationic
silicones, silicone gums, high refractive silicones, and silicone
resins), organic conditioning oils (e.g., hydrocarbon oils, polyolefins,
and fatty esters) or combinations thereof, or those conditioning agents
which otherwise form liquid, dispersed particles in the aqueous
surfactant matrix.

[0082] In one embodiment, the shampoo composition of the present invention
further comprises a non-volatile silicone oil. For an opaque composition
embodiment, the shampoo composition comprises a non-volatile silicone oil
having a particle size as measured in the shampoo composition from about
1 μm to about 50 μm. In an embodiment of the present invention for
small particle application to the hair, the shampoo composition comprises
a non-volatile silicone oil having a particle size as measured in the
shampoo composition from about 100 nm to about 1 μm. For a
substantially clear composition embodiment, the shampoo composition
comprises a non-volatile silicone oil having a particle size as measured
in the shampoo composition of less than about 100 nm.

[0083] When present, the one or more conditioning agents are in an amount
from about 0.01% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 8%,
more preferably from about 0.2% to about 4%, by weight of the
composition.

[0084] The conditioning agents may be present in the dispersed gel network
phase or may be added to the final shampoo composition as a separate
component such that they are present primarily in the continuous phase of
the shampoo.

[0085] 5. Anti-Dandruff Actives

[0086] The compositions of the present invention may also contain an
anti-dandruff active. Suitable non-limiting examples of anti-dandruff
actives include pyridinethione salts, azoles, selenium sulfide,
particulate sulfur, keratolytic agents, and mixtures thereof. Such
anti-dandruff actives should be physically and chemically compatible with
the essential components of the composition, and should not otherwise
unduly impair product stability, aesthetics or performance.

[0087] When present in the composition, the anti-dandruff active is
included in an amount from about 0.01% to about 5%, preferably from about
0.1% to about 3%, and more preferably from about 0.3% to about 2%, by
weight of the composition.

[0088] 6. Humectants

[0089] The compositions of the present invention may contain a humectant.
The humectants herein are selected from the group consisting of
polyhydric alcohols, water soluble alkoxylated nonionic polymers, and
mixtures thereof. The humectants, when used herein, are preferably
present in an amount by weight of the composition from about 0.1% to
about 20%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 5%.

[0090] 7. Suspending Agent

[0091] The compositions of the present invention may further comprise a
suspending agent at concentrations effective for suspending
water-insoluble material in dispersed form in the compositions or for
modifying the viscosity of the composition. Such concentrations range
from about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.3% to about 5.0%,
by weight of the composition.

[0092] Suspending agents useful herein include crystalline suspending
agents which can be categorized as acyl derivatives, long chain amine
oxides, and mixtures thereof. These suspending agents are described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,855. These preferred suspending agents include
ethylene glycol esters of fatty acids preferably having from about 16 to
about 22 carbon atoms. More preferred are the ethylene glycol stearates,
both mono and distearate, but particularly the distearate containing less
than about 7% of the mono stearate.

[0093] 8. Other Optional Components

[0094] The compositions of the present invention may contain other
optional components. Optional components may be present in the dispersed
gel network phase or may be added to the final shampoo composition as
separate components. For example, the compositions of the present
invention may contain water-soluble and water-insoluble vitamins such as
vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, C, pantothenic acid, pantothenyl ethyl ether,
panthenol, biotin and their derivatives, and vitamins A, D, E, and their
derivatives. The compositions of the present invention may also contain
water-soluble and water-insoluble amino acids such as asparagine,
alanine, indole, glutamic acid and their salts, and tyrosine, tryptamine,
lysine, histadine and their salts. The compositions of present invention
may further comprise materials useful for hair loss prevention and hair
growth stimulants or agents.

[0096] When certain oil-soluble components, such as perfumes and
fragrances, amino acids, water-insoluble vitamins, and the like, are
present in the dispersed gel network phase, either by incorporating such
components directly into the gel network component pre-mix or separately
into the shampoo composition and consequently some amount of such
components migrate into the dispersed gel network phase during
equilibration, they may be effectively deposited on hair and/or skin. To
obtain very effective deposition of oil-soluble components on hair and/or
skin via their presence in the dispersed gel network phase, oil-soluble
component compositions which comprise no less than about 60% of
ingredients having a Clog P of about 3 or higher are preferred. For
further discussion on Clog P and how to determine its value for a variety
of materials, see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,849,310 and 5,500,154 as
well as EP 1 533 364.

F. Process of Making a Shampoo Composition

[0097] An aspect of the invention relates to a process of making a shampoo
composition of the present invention. The process of making a shampoo
composition comprises (a) combining a fatty amphiphile, a secondary
surfactant, and water at a temperature sufficient to allow partitioning
of the secondary surfactant and the water into the fatty amphiphile to
form a pre-mix; (b) cooling the pre-mix below the chain melt temperature
of the fatty amphiphile to form a gel network; (c) adding the gel network
to one or more detersive surfactants and an aqueous carrier to form a
shampoo composition.

[0098] As discussed above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the
gel network component is prepared as a separate pre-mix, which, after
being cooled, is subsequently incorporated with the other components of
the shampoo composition. More specifically, the gel network component of
the present invention may be prepared by heating the fatty amphiphile,
the secondary surfactant, and water to a level in the range of about
75° C. to about 90° C. and mixing. This mixture is cooled
to a level in the range of about 27° C. to about 35° C. by,
for example, passing the mixture through a heat exchanger. As a result of
this cooling step, at least about fifty percent of the mixture of the
fatty amphiphile and the secondary surfactant crystallize to form a
crystalline gel network.

[0099] Alternative methods of preparing the gel network component include
sonication and/or milling of the fatty amphiphile, the secondary
surfactant, and water, while these components are heated, to reduce the
particle size of the melted fatty amphiphile phase.

[0100] This results in an increase in surface area of the fatty amphiphile
phase, which allows the secondary surfactant and the water to swell the
fatty amphiphile phase. Another suitable variation in preparing the gel
network includes heating and mixing the fatty amphiphile and the
secondary surfactant first, and then adding that mixture to the water.

G. Method of Use

[0101] The compositions of the present invention are used in a
conventional manner for cleansing and conditioning hair or skin,
including scalp, face, and body. Generally, a method of treating hair or
skin of the present invention comprises applying the composition of the
present invention to the hair or skin. More specifically, an effective
amount of the personal care composition is applied to the hair or skin,
which has preferably been wetted with water, and then the personal care
composition is rinsed off. Such effective amounts generally range from
about 1 g to about 50 g, preferably from about 1 g to about 20 g.
Application to the hair typically includes working the composition
through the hair such that most or all of the hair is contacted with the
composition.

[0102] The method for treating the hair or skin comprises the steps of:
(a) wetting the hair or skin with water; (b) applying an effective amount
of the shampoo composition to the hair or skin, and (c) rinsing the
applied areas of skin or hair with water. These steps can be repeated as
many times as desired to achieve the desired cleansing and conditioning
benefit.

[0103] In one embodiment, the shampoo composition of the present invention
advantageously is used to treat damaged hair. Damaged hair may include
hair selected from permed hair, oxidatively colored hair, and
mechanically damaged hair.

[0104] In another embodiment, the shampoo composition is used to treat
skin, such as the scalp, the face, and the body.

[0105] The personal care compositions of this invention may be used as
liquids, solids, semi-solids, flakes, gels, placed in a pressurized
container with a propellant added, or used in a pump spray form. The
viscosity of the product may be selected to accommodate the form desired.

NON-LIMITING EXAMPLES

[0106] The shampoo compositions illustrated in the following Examples
illustrate specific embodiments of the shampoo compositions of the
present invention, but are not intended to be limiting thereof. Other
modifications can be undertaken by the skilled artisan without departing
from the spirit and scope of this invention. These exemplified
embodiments of the shampoo composition of the present invention provide
enhanced conditioning benefits to the hair.

[0107] The shampoo compositions illustrated in the following Examples are
prepared by conventional formulation and mixing methods, an example of
which is set forth hereinbelow. All exemplified amounts are listed as
weight percents and exclude minor materials such as diluents,
preservatives, color solutions, imagery ingredients, botanicals, and so
forth, unless otherwise specified. All percentages are based on weight
unless otherwise specified.

Preparation of the Gel Network Pre-Mix

[0108] To prepare the gel network pre-mix, about 20% of the water is
heated to about 74° C. and the fatty amphiphile and the secondary
surfactant (e.g., Behenyltrimethylammonium chloride (Varisoft BT-85) or
Sodium Laureth Sulfate) are added to it. After incorporation, this
mixture is passed through a mill and heat exchanger where it is cooled to
about 35° C. As a result of this cooling step, the fatty
amphiphile, the secondary surfactant, and the water form a crystalline
gel network.

[0109] For mixtures of different fatty amphiphiles, it may be beneficial
to pre-mix the fatty amphiphile materials before incorporation into the
water. This can be done by co-melting the different fatty amphiphiles
together and utilizing this melt or cooling into a solid phase and
incorporating this into the heated water along with the secondary
surfactant. Another variation could be to co-melt the one or more fatty
amphiphiles and the secondary surfactant before incorporation into the
water. Some gel network compositions with chain melt temperatures between
about 27° C. to about 35° C. will need to be cooled below
27° C. to ensure the lamellar phase structure is froze.

Gel Network Pre-Mix Examples 1-28

[0110] The following Examples illustrate specific embodiments of the gel
network pre-mix, prior to its incorporation with the detersive surfactant
and other components of the final shampoo composition of the present
invention. It is intended that each of the following gel network pre-mix
examples could be incorporated as a dispersed phase into a shampoo
composition according to the present invention.

[0111] To prepare the final shampoo composition, first, a surfactant
solution pre-mix is formed. To prepare this surfactant solution pre-mix,
about 6% to about 9% of sodium or ammonium laureth-3 sulfate, cationic
polymers, and about 0% to about 5% of water are added to a jacketed mix
tank and heated to about 74° C. with agitation. To this solution,
citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate, and disodium EDTA are added
to the tank and allowed to disperse. Ethylene glycol distearate (EGDS) is
then added to the mixing vessel and melted. After the EGDS was well
dispersed (e.g., after about 10 minutes), preservative is added and mixed
into the surfactant solution. This mixture is passed through a mill and
heat exchanger where it is cooled to about 35° C. and collected in
a finishing tank. As a result of this cooling step, the EGDS crystallizes
to form a waxy crystalline suspension. The mixture of these components is
the surfactant solution pre-mix.

[0112] Next, the surfactant solution pre-mix and the gel network pre-mix,
which is prepared as described above, are mixed together. The remainder
of the surfactants, perfume, dimethicone, sodium chloride or ammonium
xylene sulfonate for viscosity adjustment, and the remainder of the water
are added with ample agitation to ensure a homogeneous mixture. This
mixture is the final shampoo composition which comprises as a dispersed
phase the gel network pre-mix.

[0113] Preferred viscosities of the final shampoo composition according to
the present invention range from about 5000 to about 15,000 centipoise at
27° C., as measured by a Wells-Brookfield model RVTDCP viscometer
using a CP-41 cone and plate at 2/s at 3 minutes. The pH may be adjusted
as necessary to provide shampoo compositions of the present invention
which are suitable for application to human hair, and may vary based on
the selection of particular detersive surfactants, fatty amphiphiles,
and/or other components.

Shampoo Examples 1-10

[0114] The following Examples illustrate specific embodiments of the final
shampoo composition of the present invention, which respectively comprise
select above-exemplified gel network pre-mixes as a dispersed phase.

[0115] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention
are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of
any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art
with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or
definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning
or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the
meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall
govern.

[0116] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the
art that various other changes and modifications can be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore
intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and
modifications that are within the scope of this invention.